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M-119 Tunnel of Trees

M-119 TUNNEL OF TREES

 

Overview

Mission Statement: Recognizing the unique value of M-119 and the area surrounding the roadway, the M-119 Heritage Route Management Plan will strive to protect, preserve, and enhance the natural, scenic, and cultural character of the M-119 Heritage Route. 

Official discussion regarding M-119's preservation was initiated in 1990, when a roadside survey was conducted by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to determine the origins and destinations of the travelers using M119. In 1992, MDOT contracted with the Little Traverse Conservancy, a local land protection agency, to conduct a scenic inventory of the roadway. This information was utilized by local citizens in the early discussions of the roadway's preservation and management as a heritage route. The goal of the M-119 Heritage Route Committee in 2002 was to develop a management plan that best reflected the interests of the community. The M-119 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route was designated in 2003.

 

The Aerial Inventory was flown in 2011 and compiled into the report here.

 

Guides, Plans and Public Education

The M-119 Tunnel of Trees Corridor is designated a Scenic Heritage Route Because of its natural beauty and because of the community's commitment to its integrity. The committee seeks to educate the community on how to protect and maintain those characteristics that made it so valuble.

Following are resources for landowners, transportation officials, businesses, and the public.

 

Committee

Because of the "Tunnel of Trees" and other scenic attributes and the inherent beauty displayed along the designated highway of M-119, the Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route Committee continues to work to ensure the residents of Emmet County that this Heritage Route will maintain the pastoral character of this region of the County and will be managed in a manner that protects the "Tunnel of Trees".  M-119 is the only state highway in Emmet County and the only state road in Michigan without a center line.

Visit the Committee's website here.

 

2026 Meeting schedule

Residents of the corridor, local officials, and members of the public are welcome to attend meetings of the M-119 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route Committee. The Committee meets on the second Tuesday of every month April-October at 9:30 a.m. Location of the meetings vary. Virtual attendance is available, see agenda for details.

The 2026 meeting schedule is as follows:

  • April 14, 2026 
    • West Traverse Township Hall – 8001 M-119 Harbor Springs, MI 49740
    • Meeting Agenda and Minutes
  • May 12, 2026  
    • Friendship Township Hall - 3018 S Beacon Hill Ln, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 
    • Meeting Agenda and Minutes 
  • June 9, 2026 
    • Cross Village – 5954 Wadsworth Rd., Harbor Springs, MI 49740 
    • Meeting Agenda and Minutes
  • July 14, 2026 
    • Readmond Township - 6034 Wormwood Ln, Harbor Springs, MI 49740  
    • Meeting Agenda and Minutes
  • August 11, 2026 
    • ​West Traverse Township Hall – 8001 M-119 Harbor Springs, MI 49740  
    • Meeting Agenda and Minutes
  • September 8, 2026 
    • ​Friendship Township Hall - 3018 S Beacon Hill Ln, Harbor Springs, MI 49740  
    • Meeting Agenda and Minutes
  • October 13, 2026 
    • ​Emmet County Building – 3434 Harbor-Petoskey Rd, Suite A Harbor Springs, MI 49740  
    • Meeting Agenda and Minutes

previous year Meeting Information:

 

Other Resources

Spring Coordinators Call Presentation

Act 69 Michigan Heritage Routes Document

Pure Michigan Byways and Tour Routes: Driving Guide

Guidelines to Designating Michigan's Heritage Routes (1995 edition)

M-119 Tunnel of Trees Route Map

Zoo-de-mack 2025 Brochure

Our Township greatly benefits from Network Northwest's experience, depth of knowledge and understanding. Because they work with so many diverse communities in our ten-county region they understand the local land-use issues and are already working on solutions by the time we realize we need some help.
- Susan Odom, Chair, Suttons Bay Township Planning Commission